"This is one of the older Behemoth CDs so it is not as polished or musically mature as their later releases like Thelema 6 and Zos Kia Cultus. However, this album is one brutally evil work of true blackened death metal. All the songs on this CD are pretty brutal and straight forward. The best songs are "Decade of Therion" and "Sermon to the Hypocrites" both songs are total brutal works of satanic horror. While I feel that Behemoth has improved greatly as a band after this release, this album is still very good, just more of a straight forward death/black metal album rather than the more mature and technical works of their newest releases."
Stunning
ka0z | Forest Hills, NY | 08/11/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Absolutely stunning death/black metal album. The first track I heard from Satanica was Decade of Oepion, and I'll be damned, I was literally blown away. This cd is by the finest Polish Death/Black metal band, and without a doubt one of the best in the scene. Satanica is absolutely amazing. Bordering between death and black, from the evil guttural blackish vocals to the absolutely astonishing drumming, this is bass heavy (first indication to a more death metal inclination), and with guitar riffs/solos, this is destined to become a classic in the genre. I mean it, this is some serious stuff folks, dont pass by on it if you're into this kind of music. This is some of the finest there is. Also check out Thelema.6 by Behemoth, it's in the same vein, evil evil music. God I love it!"
Behemoth-Satanica
Chris Zappo | Minnesota | 04/23/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Wow...What can I say? Being a big black metal fan, I listened to this C.D. at a local record store (Root Cellar Records). I was blown away when I first heard it and it just keeps getting beter with every listen. Skirting the boundaries between black and death metal, this is one of the most impressive C.D.'s to come out recently(although it is two years old). From the opening track Decade of Oepion all the way to the end, you will not be disappointed. A definite 5 of 5. Add this one to your collection if you find it. You will not regret it."
Behemoth's first great album, but definitely not their last
A. Stutheit | Denver, CO USA | 07/05/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Only when Behemoth's fourth disc was released did blackened death metal truly start to take form. 2000's "Satanica" is ripe with blinding energy, intensity, conviction and astounding musicianship. This disc, which is Behemoth's first real death metal influenced release, is top-shelf blackened/technical death metal. These songs' punishing, ultra muscular rhythms ooze with nimble, blazing riffs, vocals which alternate between growls and high-pitched barks, deliciously evil lyrics, and almost constant, frenetic death metal blasts (which are seemingly played with virtuosic ease from one of the best, fastest, and most technically proficient skinsmen in the business, Inferno). The result is a monster, "Satanica", which is completely devastating, ferocious, and genuinely tight and brutal. These songs are stripped of excess fat, making every powerful, punishing track full of frantic, engaging energy and painstaking technicality. "Decade Of Therion" begins the disc on a strong note by underpinning jackhammer insistence of walloping bass drums with searing guitar riffs. (Track six, "Star Spawn", is also this way.) The thunderous second track, "LAM", is one of the best songs of this bunch, because it's backed by chunky power chords and catchy, slamming, lightning fast blast beats which anchor the song. A few other killer songs are the scorching "Of Sephirotic Transformation and Carnality", "The Sermon to the Hypocrites" (which features a deft, driving beat, huge, crushing riffs, and Nergal's retching, black metal-esque yelps which are designed to make the listener's skin crawl), the mostly instrumental and mid-tempo "The Alchemist's Dream", and the album closer (an untitled bonus track), which is slower but equally as bludgeoning and features demonic, monstrous bellows. "Satanica" is Behemoth's first truly great record, and, luckily, the band didn't stop here; they did (and are doing) what all iconic metal bands do: continuing to grow and perfect their sound. They produced another superb album, "Zos Kia Cultus", in 2002, and eventually dropped the godly "Demigod" in 2005. Newcomers are advised to start with that career-defining album, but "Satanica" is still a great, truly inspiring album and a highly recommended pick up for all fans of this band and genre."
Best of Behemoth's Death Metal Days
Igar The Terrible | Canada | 03/21/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After being let down with behemoths recent album "Demigod", I figured there had to be more to this band than just the sound that I heard from Demigod. And I was right, Satanica is a vicious album from start to finish.
I enjoyed Nergal's unpolished vocals ten times more then the lack-luster enhanced vocals found on Demigod. They sound much more angry, and passionate in the sense that it seems like nergal is giving it his all throughout the record. There is also a stronger sent of behemoths black metal past on Satanica, Don't get me wrong Satanica is still death metal to the bone, its just the riffs sound more black then those found on Demigod. Or maybe its just the lower production value...
This is what Death metal should be, stuff that requires all your willpower just to prevent you jumping up and headbanging all over the place. In other words its very engaging music that will give you that great metal rush that makes you feel like going nuts. It has alot of power to it most of which comes from Inferno's killer drumming and Nergal's colossal riffs and solo's. I can honestly recomend "Satanica" to anyone who is into death metal. Actually, out of all of Behemoth's (death metal) albums this may be my favorite. Although I have yet to hear "Zos Kia Cultus".
Standout tracks are:
.: Decade of therion :. This is one of behemoth's best songs ever in my book. listen to it and know its glory!
.: Ceremony Of Shiva :. Great drum beats on this track, very original sounding track.
.: Of Sephirotic Transformation And Carnality :. An annoying name but amazing song. It never lets up just like Decade of therion.
.: Chant For Eschaton 2000 :. This is a pretty strange track with main lyrics sung in a chant followed by power metal esque vocals ( 0_0 ! ) it had me grin when I first heard it. Its a catchy track although you will have no idea what Nergal is saying until you look at the lyrics sheet. It also ends the album very triumphantly with brass horns blazing through your speakers."
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1